Newcastle could make controversial transfer as Tonali replacement

Suraj Radia

• 20 Oct 2023 10:54 BST
• 4 min read

Newcastle will look to sign a midfielder in January as they aim to minimise the blow of Sandro Tonali’s anticipated ban and they could make a controversial move by signing a midfielder from Saudi Arabia on loan.

Tonali could face a suspension of up to three years after being embroiled in an illegal betting scandal in Italy, although any ban is more likely to be between seven and 12 months after the 23-year-old admitted to the offences.

Newcastle only signed Tonali this summer for an initial fee of €63 million but they may already be forced to replace their joint club-record purchase after he admitted betting on his former club Milan to a panel in Italy.

DETAILS: How long could Tonali be banned for?

Tonali could still feature for Newcastle against Crystal Palace this weekend, with a ban not likely to be formalised until next week at the earliest, but the Magpies are believed to have accepted internally that their big money signing could be missing for the rest of the season.

While Newcastle have been supportive of their player following his confession to being a gambling addict, The Telegraph state that the club will look for a solution in January, ideally a loan move to cover Tonali’s absence.

One player suggested has been former Wolves captain Ruben Neves, who joined Al-Hilal in the summer for €55m, due to both the Saudi side and Newcastle being owned by the PIF, which could make a deal feasible despite its controversy.

Tonali absence leaves Newcastle scrambling for reinforcements

Tonali has endured a tough time to his career at Newcastle despite scoring on his debut, with the Italy international admitting he felt ‘lost’ in his early days at the club and initially struggled to settle in.

While his performances on the pitch have been inconsistent, the loss of Tonali would be a significant blow to Newcastle, who have already been light in midfield due to injuries to Joe Willock and Joelinton.

EXCLUSIVE: Milan unaware of Tonali issues prior to Newcastle transfer

However, Neves would be a sutiable replacement for Tonali if a move was pursued, although the 26-year-old has been integral to Al-Hilal so far as they sit top of the Saudi Pro League.